House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

MEMORANDUM

Proposed Legislation - Reducing the size of the Senate of Pennsylvania

Last session, the House of Representatives passed my joint resolution, House Bill 153, to reduce the size of the House of Representatives. When the resolution was before the House, the majority of members adopted an amendment to include a provision reducing the Senate to 38 members. After passage, House Bill 153 was never considered by the Senate and subsequently died at the end of the legislative session.

Reflecting upon House action on House Bill 153, I have decided to reintroduce it in its original form this legislative session -- House Bill 1234. That said, while I appreciate the rationale and eagerness for an amendment to include the Senate in this legislation, I have decided to introduce a separate piece of legislation to reduce the size of the Senate to 38, in the hope the Senate will make a similar determination in regard to the size of its body.

It is my sincere hope separate legislative initiatives will provide the greatest opportunity for consideration by the Senate.